Invitation to Murder (Book 1 in the Candlemaking Mysteries) by Tim Myers Page A

the worktable in front of the shop. “Nonsense, there’s always
time for that,” she said as she helped me. “Here’s what we’ll do.
You have thirty-five minutes before your new pupil is due to
arrive. You set up for your class, and I’ll pick up something for
you to eat. What would you like?”
    “ A burger would be fine,”
I said absently as I kept cleaning the table.
    “ You need more than that.
How about a salad to go along with it?”
    “ Fine, whatever. I have to
get this ready.”
    As Lillian started to go, she said, “Now
don’t forget, you need to lock the door behind me.”
    “ I won’t forget,” I said
as I dragged a rag across the table to shove any leftover remnants
into the trash can.
    “ Lock it now, Jennifer,”
she said, “or I’m not going.”
    “ Fine, I’ll do it. Just
go.”
    She walked out the door, then lingered on
the steps until I locked the door as instructed. I stuck my tongue,
out at her, which she returned; then she finally walked down
Oakmont, no doubt going to HamSmith’s. Hamilton Smith ran a
boutique grill on our block, offering everything from salmon to my
favorite hamburgers in the world. By the time Lillian got back with
the food I had the supplies laid out for my first lesson with ten
minutes to spare.
    I peeked in the bag. “Hey, there’s way too
much I food in here.”
    “ I thought I’d join you. I
skipped lunch, too, remember? You don’t mind, do you?”
    “ I’d be delighted,” I
said. “Get enough out of the cash drawer to pay yourself back,
okay?”
    She waved a hand in the air, dismissing me.
“It’s not important.”
    As hungry as I was and as great as that
hamburger smelled, I pushed it away from me on the counter.
    Lillian asked, “Is there something wrong
with the food?”
    “ There surely
is.”
    “ What is it?” she asked.
“I ordered your usual.”
    “ I’m sure the food’s fine.
The problem is that didn’t pay for it. It’s bad enough that I can’t
afford to pay you for your work here, but I draw the line at
accepting your handouts.”
    Lillian’s eyes sparked. “For heaven’s sakes,
don’ be so pigheaded. I want to do this. Let me treat you to lunch
or dinner, or whatever this is.”
    I had to wonder if I was just being
stubborn, if I could afford to stand on principle when I didn’t
have the money to back it up. “I’ll make you a deal,” I said as my
mouth started to water. “I’ll let you pay for this if you let me
buy lunch tomorrow.” I’d have a check from my student tonight to
cover lunch the next day.
    “ That sounds lovely. Now
eat your food before it gets cold.”
    “ Yes, Ma’am,” I said as I
bit into the hamburger. I surprised myself by finishing my salad,
too, though I normally wasn’t big on leafy greens. It was amazing
how hunger could make just about anything taste good. I shoved the
wrappers and containers into my bag and threw it into the big trash
can. “That was great. Thanks.”
    “ You’re most welcome.”
Lillian had skipped ordering a burger and was still pecking away at
her salad. That woman made an event out of every meal, making it
stretch as long as possible. I was more of a grab-and-go kind of
gal myself.
    There was a tap on the front door, and I
fully exacted to see Melinda standing there.
    Instead, it was Greg, and from the sour look
on his ice, it appeared that he was back for round two.

    HANDCRAFTED CARD-MAKING TIP
    Charms can be successfully used on
handcrafted cards to make them really stand out. Not only do they
give each card a personal touch, but the recipient can add your
contribution to her bracelet after she’s enjoyed your card, and
think of you every time she looks at it.

Chapter 8

    “ What are you, some kind
of glutton for punishment?” I asked as I unlocked the
door.
    Greg brought one of his hands out from
behind his back. He offered the roses to me with a contrite look on
his face. “I’m sorry.”
    I just couldn’t blast him again, not with
that